Press Release Article

Scene of marching nutcrackers will decorate PATH trains and stations during holiday season

Neer Hirpara, a seventh-grade student at Jersey City’s P.S. 27, won first place in PATH’s annual holiday poster contest with his festive depiction of an army of nutcrackers. Neer’s winning illustration will adorn PATH’s stations and rail cars throughout this holiday season.

PATH officials and representatives of Jersey City Public Schools honored Neer and two runners-up at an awards luncheon today at Journal Square. Placing second was Sarah Rinehart, an eighth-grade student at P.S. 24, with third place going to Yomalis Perozo, another seventh-grade student at P.S. 27. First-grade students, Rich Carneiro of P.S. 25 and Randhir Singh of P.S. 35, each won a special Honorable Mention for impressive poster designs from students in their age group.

The PATH’s Holiday Poster event for Jersey City public school children attending elementary and middle schools started 23 years ago through a partnership between PATH and the city board of education’s Visual and Performing Arts Program. Students, under the guidance of their art teachers, submitted 562 holiday posters this year. PATH representatives reviewed the artwork and selected the winning entries. Attached is a copy of the winning poster.

Stephen Kingsberry, acting director and general manager of PATH, unveiled this year’s winning poster at the event. “PATH customers will enjoy the holiday season even more thanks to Neer’s engaging artistry,” said Kingsberry. “We appreciate the efforts of Neer and all his fellow students to help brighten the commutes of our passengers. We are delighted to continue this wonderful annual tradition with the community.”

This year’s holiday poster contest has special meaning for PATH officials and work crews, as they continue to work around the clock to return service to Hoboken following Superstorm Sandy. The contest is a reminder of the strong ties fostered over the years among PATH employees, students and the communities that rely on PATH service.

CONTACT: Ron Marsico, 212-435-7777

Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency’s network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs, and generates more than $23 billion in annual wages and $80 billion in annual economic activity. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where construction crews are building the iconic One World Trade Center, which is now the tallest skyscraper in New York. The Port Authority receives no tax revenue from either the state of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency relies on revenues generated by facility users, tolls, fees and rents as well as loans, bond financing, and federal grants to fund its operations. For more information, please visit http://www.panynj.gov.